Let’s pretend I only understood the part: “become worn through constant rubbing”. Well, maybe that’s what the challenge is about: Finding what it means to you.

In 2009, I went to Poland, where I visited Auschwitz, but I think I have written enough about it. While in Poland, I also visited the Wieliczka Salt Mine.

Taking my interpretation of the word, I see these salt mines as something beautiful, but finite. The constant contact of visitors will, eventually, erode the beautiful art works there sculpted. I love the place, but maybe from the work that disappears, a new blank canvas will be left for another to be made.

Once upon a time, the sea extended all the way back to Krakow. During the last ice age, when sea levels went down, large bodies of water were trapped by the continents. Over many years, the water evaporated and, having no river flowing into it, left behing a very large area of salt, like the Uyuni Salt Flats in Bolivia. It was mined for 800 years before going out of operation. It’s been a tourist attraction since the 15th century, with its beautiful salt cathedral (everything sculpted from salt, including the chandeliers). Notable visitor include Copernicus, Goethe and Chopin! Worth a visit!